All the stateside Sox affiliates were in action on Sunday and the Charlotte Knights had a doubleheader to make up for a rain out on Saturday.
Rochester 1, Charlotte 0 (Game 1)
The Knights were four-hit over seven innings by Rochester starter Tyler Duffey and an unearned run was the difference. Miguel Chalas, who normally acts as a reliever, made the spot start and threw four innings and only allowed the aforementioned unearned run. Rehabbing Dan Jennings tossed two shutout innings in relief in his third appearance with the Knights. In spite of the offensive struggle, Matt Davidson went 2-2 with a walk and Chris Curley and Kevan Smith each had a double.
Rochester 5, Charlotte 4 (Game 2, 11 innings)
The Knights offense bounced back nicely in game 2, as they pounded out 11 hits, but unfortunately were only able to convert that into four runs. Micah Johnson went 3-6 from the lead-off spot and stole his 14th base. Jason Coats had two hits and launched his seventh home run as a Knight. Veteran Brad Penny started the game and threw six innings, allowing three runs while striking out five and walking none. Matt Lindstrom came on in relief and threw two shutout innings, striking out three. Lindstrom has been dominant recently, not allowing an earned run or a walk over his past 12.2 innings. The Knights were able to push a run across in the top of the 11th to take a lead, but unfortunately Maikel Cleto allowed two runs in the bottom of the 11th and let the Rochester Red Wings walk-off.
Birmingham 4, Jackson 3 (10 innings)
Former White Sox catcher Adrian Nieto was the hero for the Barons on Sunday as he hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th to extend the game to extras and then drew a bases loaded walk in the 10th to win the game. Nieto started the season horrendously, but has hit .273/.373/.409 in June. Top prospect Frankie Montas started the game and threw six innings and only allowed two earned runs while striking out six. The Barons bullpen was fantastic in relief of Montas, as Kyle Hansen went three shutout innings and J.B. Wendelken pitched a perfect 10th to earn the win.
Winston-Salem 3, Myrtle Beach 2
The Dash hurlers were excellent and the offense was able to push across two late runs for the home team to grab the victory. Starter Matt Heidenreich threw six innings while only allowing one run and the bullpen combination of Brian Clark, Jake Cose, and Peter Tago did not allow an earned run the rest of the way. Second baseman Jake Peter, who recently had a 20 game hitting streak, went 1-4 to extend his current hit streak to six games. Third baseman Trey Michalczewski went 1-3 with a walk and shortstop Cleuluis Rondon went 1-3.
Asheville 6, Kannapolis 4
The Intimidators dropped Sunday’s contest to the Asheville Tourists thanks to a five run third inning allowed by starter Yency Almonte. Catcher Brett Austin went hitless but was plenty busy behind the plate, gunning down three would-be base stealers. Third baseman Ryan Leonards went 2-4 with a double and has been on fire recently, hitting .432 over his past ten games and .348/.405/.464 in the month of June. John Ziznewski smacked two doubles and drew a walk and Eddy Alvarez went 2-4 with a double and a walk to led the Intimidator’s attack. Center fielder Louie Lechich also hit his fourth home run of the season.
Great Falls 9, Helena 2
Four Great Falls pitchers combined to throw a four-hitter while not allowing an earned run and the Voyager offense had 14 hits to easily defeat the Helena Brewers. Jake Jarvis continues his assault on the Pioneer League as he went 4-5 to raise his season batting line to .424/.459/.606. Louis Silverio, Casey Schroeder, Sikes Orvis, and Johan Cruz all had two hits as the Great Falls offense rolled. Brandon Magallones started the game and threw three shutout innings without allowing a hit. 2015 3rd round pick Zack Erwin entered the game next and pitched two innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit. Relievers Danny Dopico and Ryan Hinchley followed with two innings each, and a unearned run allowed by Dopico was the only blemish.
AZL White Sox 8, AZL Padres 0
The Arizona League White Sox romped to an easy victory Sunday as four AZL Sox pitchers combined for a five-hit shutout. Christopher Comito, Ryan Riga, Jonathan Frebis, and Taylore Cherry all made scoreless appearances to keep the Padres off the board. 2015 13th round draft pick Ryan Riga earned the win with a dominant effort, throwing three perfect innings while striking out five. 2015 12th round draft pick catcher Seby Zavala went 2-4 with two doubles to maintain an absurd .500 batting average through his first five games. Outfielder Jake Fincher was perfect at the plate, going 4-4 with two stolen bases. Micker Adolfo went 1-5 with two runs batted in and struck out twice.
Want to know right away when we publish a new article? Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. Our list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.